Able Quote by Barbara Gittings
![“Putting a label [homosexual] on myself was a big step forward...once I said, 'Yes, that's me, that's what I am,' I was able to work with it.” quote by Barbara Gittings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6f2/barbara-gittings-60378_able_putting-a-label-homosexual-on-myself-was_423091.jpg)
“Putting a label [homosexual] on myself was a big step forward...once I said, 'Yes, that's me, that's what I am,' I was able to work with it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Oral history, 1990
Self‑labeling as homosexual was a breakthrough, enabling self‑acceptance and personal growth.
In simple terms: Accepting identity empowers personal development.
Key Takeaway
Embrace identity to foster growth.
Themes
identity
self‑acceptance
empowerment
Mood
hopeful
inspirational
Type
personal
social
When to use this quote
- coming out process
- support groups
- mental health counseling
- activism
Key Concepts
LGBTQ+ studies
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps helped you integrate your identity?
- How can others support someone’s self‑identification?
A Different Perspective
Labels can also create external stigma.
![“As a teenager, I had to struggle alone to learn about myself and what it meant to be gay. Now for [48] years I've had the satisfaction of working with other gay people all across the country to get the bigots off our backs, to oil the closet door hinges, to change prejudiced hearts and minds, and…” quote by Barbara Gittings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f22/barbara-gittings-60378_bigots_as-a-teenager-i-had-to-struggle-alone-to_2896022.jpg)
